Worker Focused Safety Program

Violence in the WorkplaceWorker Training Module 2

Worker Focused Safety Program

Module 2Legal and Regulation

What this module will coverO Legal requirements

O Definitions and duties

WorkSafeBC RegulationsO 4.29 Procedures and policies

O If a risk of injury to workers from violence is identified by an assessment performed under section 4.28 the employer must:

a) establish procedures, policies and work environment arrangements to eliminate the risk to workers from violence, and

b) if elimination of the risk to workers is not possible, establish procedures, policies and work environment arrangements to minimize the risk to workers

WorkSafeBC Regulation

O 4.27 DefinitionO In sections 4.28 to 4.31

O "violence" means the attempted or actual exercise by a person, other than a worker, of any physical force so as to cause injury to a worker, and includes any threatening statement or behaviour which gives a worker reasonable cause to believe that he or she is at risk of injury

Legal RequirementsO Risk assessment required if reasonable and

credible potential for assault exists.

OH&S Regulation Section 4.28

Protecting Workers from Violence

ODevelop written proceduresOEnsure staff understand the proceduresOEnsure staff follow the proceduresOReporting incidents O Investigate incidentOEliminate risk, where not possible

OMitigate risk to lowest possible level

OH&S Regulation Section 4.29

Employers’ ResponsibilitiesO Provide instruction, training and supervision to

ensure health and safety of workers

O Ensure plan includes spare-board, temporary employees and Itinerants

Workers’ Compensation Act Section 115

Workers’ ResponsibilitiesO Follow safe work procedures

O Report hazards to supervisor or employer

Workplace violenceO Three main types of violence

O Verbal abuse/threatsO Threatening behaviourO Physical assault

Any of these behaviours alone or together constitute an incident

Verbal abuse vs. threatsO Are abuse and threats different?O Abuse may be intended to hurt the feelings or

humiliate someone, while threats may create fear and cause concern for their safety

O The use of profanity doesn’t necessarily constitute a threat, however combined with other actions and behaviours it may escalate to threatening behaviour.

SD61 CommittmentThe Board shall not tolerate any intended act of violence in the premises, on its property or during any school-sanctioned activity.

Acts of violence shall be considered as a serious threat to the school environment and to the safety of both students and staff and shall be dealt with in accordance with legislation and regulation.

Privacy IssuesOSections 33.1(1)f and 33.2(e) of FIPPA

allow for disclosure of personal information:O If the information is necessary to protect a

worker’s safetyO If disclosure will lead to changes in work

practices to reduce the risk of injury

O Contact Manager, Occupational Health & Safety

Worker ResponsibilitiesO Follow safe work proceduresO Ensure you read and understand documents

related to your level of risk:O Threat synopsis, safety plans, Behavioural plans

O Sign-off on documents indicating you are aware of specific risks and protocols

O Report threats of violence to AdministratorO Participate in violence training sessions

Questions…